The National tribune., 1887-06-30
Ladies' NJ fha GAR

DEAR TRIBUNE: So often is the question
asked, WHO are the Ladies of the Grand
Army? How do they differ from the Woman's
Relief Corpsf" that we beg TO answer through
your widely circulated paper. First We differ
in our eligibility TO membership. We admit
10 our Order only the wives, mothers, sisters
and daughters Of the veterans of the war. The
W.R.C. admit all loyal women. Second. The
W.RC. must be auxiliary TO some Post of the
GAR The Ladies Of the GAR. are an indie
pendent organization each Circle doing its work
Independently Of any Department of the GAR.
Our hold upon the Grand Army is not the obi
cial act Of any assemblage but the power Of
love born in each veterans breast for the
mother, the sister, the wife and the daughter Of
his own blood. Ii is said by some that We are
antagonistic TO the W.R.C. Wedeny the charge.
Recognizing our rightful position Is the fami-
| lies of those who stand honored in the Nations
history. we have no occasion to feel other than
grateful TO all who respect or give assistance TO
| the Grand Army.
The Department of California, Ladies Of the
GAR, is in an exceedingly prosperous condi-
/ tion. Under the able leadership OF our Depart
| ment President, Mrs. Drusilla Winchester, CAL
| fornia is rapidly taking its place among the
| best working Departments Of our Order. Cheer
| ing reports are constantly coming in to Depart
ment Headquarters from different Circles.
| Mother Bickerd v Ike Circle, Of Oakland, recently
| SafN a AAat -NabASA PeAAss Nh was NAS
order Of the evening, and at late hour the
large gathering separated, leaving the Circle
treasury the better for the frolic. Seven Pines
| Circle, San Francisco, had a pleasant inter
! rupiiOn 10 the usual routine of business meet
ing in the announcement that ComTade titton,
Senior Vice Commander Of the Army of the
Potomac, waited for admittance. COmradC
Fitton, upon being introduced, addressed the
Circle in his usual happy way, after which few
minutes were given up 10 social converse. The
Circle has had 8 heavy pressure of work Oh
their hands the past few months. A fine lot Of
comforters and other useful things have been
sent to the Soldiers Home at Yountyille. A
large number Of veterans found in the County
hospital have been under their especial care
aud have been provided with clothing. delica
cies the sick require and more substantial AID
10 Others. Added TO this, the looking out FOL
several families that have been under our care
has kept our Circle just as we like 10 be-busy
News from Eastern Circles show how faithfully
the Ladies of the GAR are doing their woTl
Of love. The Department of Illinois seems Il
take the lead, and are accomplishing great good
Union Circle, of Nineland, n. j., SO recently
formed, is hourishing and meeting well-de
served success. U. S. Grant Circle, of Youngs
town. o., still fourishes. Col Clark Circle, O
Allegheny, Pa, is nobly doing the sweet charit,
; which is part of our mission. A most impress
i've sight was witnessed at a meeting of Lock
well Circle, OF New Jersey, recently, when TN
/; obligation was received by deaf-mute, lad,
of rare education, whose sad affection is grea
bar 10 what she would love TO make usefI
; life. VIM. b. Hatch Post. No. 81 of New JeT
,, sey, assisted by VIM. b. Hatch Circle, enter
tanned the comrades of Naval Post, 400, O
| Philadelphia, and visiting comrades from yari
Gus other Posts Of the city. The Campfire an,
entertainment were pronounced success Mrs
(" Laura McNeir, National President Of the I.adie
= of the GAR, was introduced, and receives
quite an ovation at the hands of the assemblies
: comrades. She gave brief but interestin
/. sketch Of the objects and methods Of work G
the Order Of which she is head The Ladies O
the GAR. are indebted 10 Francis S. Smith
i author of America" for a new ode, write
: for our 0rder.-E. o. S., San Francisco.